PDG Newsletter July 20, 2022 Business Child Care Advocates (BCCAs) in the Spotlight Business Child Care Advocates (BCCAs) are ready to assist! They work in regions across Wisconsin conducting outreach to businesses for Project Growth. BCCAs also connect businesses and regulated child care providers and provide technical assistance to businesses and providers participating in Partner Up! Learn more about BCCAs and who to contact on the Project Growth website. Spotlight: Carolyn Dame 4C for Children Counties Served Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Ozaukee Contact Information cdame@4cfc.org | 262-894-1417 About I have worked for 4C For Children since 2007. I have a Master's in Social Work and am a former family child care provider. I have worked in the early childhood field in many capacities, as a CACFP Field Representative, a Pre-Licensing Specialist, a YoungStar Consultant and as the manager of our 4C Racine satellite office. The Most Exciting Part of Being a BCCA I am excited to be a part of a larger initiative that supports community partnerships as a way to address the child care issues of accessibility and affordability in Wisconsin. Goal(s) for the Next Year Through the Partner Up! grant program, businesses realize they have an active role to play in supporting their employees and their communities by sharing in the cost of child care. View Carolyn Dame’s spotlight. Spotlight: Michelle Balsimo 4C for Children Counties Served Milwaukee, Washington, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Ozaukee Contact Information mbalsimo@4cfc.org | 414-659-7332 About I have extensive customer service, sales, and project management experience, with over 20 years' experience in business administration. The Most Exciting Part of Being a BCCA The most exciting part of being a BCCA is being able to tell businesses, providers, and families about Partner Up! I am so excited to be a part of this grant program, that I can’t stop talking about it. Goal for the Next Year My goal is to continue to grow the BCCA role and expand the duties. View Michelle Balsimo’s spotlight. Featured Community Innovation Grant Awardee: United Way of Green County Community Innovation Grants (CIG) were awarded in early 2021 to support young children, ages birth to 5, and their families in our communities. Awardees used the funds for early care and education (ECE) programs/projects that address the issues of equity, workforce, access, affordability, quality, kindergarten readiness, and local collaboration. We’ll continue featuring one awardee and their grant activities over the coming newsletters. United Way of Green County United Way of Green County is focused on building partnerships and leveraging resources to create plans for sustainable changes in the community. United Way of Green County is partnering with Green County Development Corporation and Avenues Counseling, LLC to implement their community innovation plan for addressing the child care needs of Green County. United Way of Green County developed the following programs through their Community Innovation Grant award to support the early education sector and families in minority populations: Providing mental health consultations to 12 different child care providers that resulted in 179 children receiving individual treatments sessions to meet each individual’s need and goal. Holding eight professional development sessions for child care providers and families to build bridges and increase capacity for child care providers and families. Creating a mentorship program that matched experienced providers with new providers or providers seeking mentorship. 46 sessions were conducted and covered a range of topics based upon the mentees needs. Congratulations to United Way of Green County for completing their grant activities in 2021 and best wishes in sustaining your important community work into the future!
